Machu Picchu Camping Trek

MACHU PICCHU CAMPING TREK

Experience new challenges and breathtaking views each day on our 10-day Machu Picchu Camping Trek. Start your journey in the colorful city of Cusco and move among the mystical Peruvian Andes while exploring the ruins of the Incan Empire. Travel through the Sacred Valley on your way to the “The Lost City of Incas,” and witness first-hand the culture of Machu Picchu. Stay in luxurious hotels while in Cusco before embarking along the Camino Salkantay where you’ll experience the finest camping-style accommodations and enjoy authentic regional cuisine.

Explore the wonders of this ancient world on a life-changing expedition with us today.

Our time in the Sacred Valley will allow us to acclimate ourselves to the altitude and culture before our trek

We will spend our time hiking various ruins, wandering local markets and studios of local weavers, potters, and artisans all while learning about the history and culture of the present people and their Incan ancestors

We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then you may explore Cusco for last minute shopping, or simply relax at the hotel and prepare for international departure

Meals included: B

HUMAN OUTREACH PROJECT IN PERU

One of World Wide Trekking’s founding principles is giving back to the places we travel. Through our sister non-profit, Human Outreach Project, we are making a difference in lives around the globe, and connecting trekkers with voluntourism opportunities in local communities. We have a number of diverse projects in Peru that WWTrek guests can get involved with.

Since 2014, Human Outreach Project has sponsored the annual Pashpa Village Chocolatada Festival by providing food, traditional drinks, and gifts. In 2016, we began construction of a solar powered computer center in Pashpa, followed by a second computer center in the nearby village of Huaripampa, to connect the villages to the world and empower them.

TRAVEL NOTES

The Peruvian winter (May through September) provides the best traveling experience. This dry season still offers largely varying weather conditions and temperatures. Please prepare for a variety of conditions and temperatures ranging between 30 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

This trip begins and ends in Cusco, Peru. You will fly into and out of Cusco International Airport (CUZ).

* Many guests prefer to arrive before, or leave after, the scheduled itinerary. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply.

International airfares are not included in program pricing. There are many flight options. Our travel expert, Danny Genung at Harr Travel is more than happy to help you with all of your travel arrangements from the U.S. to Cusco. You can reach him at danny@harrtravel.com or 909.266.0117.

The benefit of using a travel agent is in the event of itinerary changes, the travel agent will find the best flight connections, and land arrangements, for you. Though third-party travel websites are convenient, we do not recommend using them, due to instability in the itineraries. We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket.

U.S. Citizens are not required to obtain a visa for travel in Peru. You will need a passport valid for more than six months after your trip. Make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home and bring the other with you in case of an emergency. Ensure you provide a color copy of your passport to WWTrek, 90-days prior to your departure date. Always carry two extra passport photos when you travel.

Upon arrival in Peru, you can expect the finest accommodations while staying in lavish lodges such as the Sol y Luna Lodge in Cusco. Enjoy full service camping while hiking through the Humantay Lake, Rio Blanco Valley, and Incan ruins. Finish out your trip with a stay in the luxurious Casa Andina.

Our stringent commitment to safety means you have access to our medically certified guides before and throughout your trip. Our staff also carries emergency medical equipment such as satellite phones and medical kits.

Prior to the trip, you will need to get a few prescriptions from your physician: Diamox for altitude sickness, Cipro for stomach ailments, and Z-Pack for respiratory ailments. In addition, we recommend visiting your local travel clinic one month before your trip. Needed vaccinations include a current tetanus shot, annual influenza shot, Varicella, Typhoid, Hep A, and MMR.

Helpful over the counter medications include Imodium Ad, throat lozenges, ibuprofen, eye drops, and any other personal medications you may need.

World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew for all of our groups ranging from eight to 12 people. At headquarters in Salt Lake City, our staff is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. If you’re planning your trip and have a question about which boots to buy, our adventure specialist is just a phone call away.

We provide medically certified, English-speaking Western guides for all of our adventures. Additionally, you have access to a local operations manager and a plethora of local professionals to aid the group on the mountain including porters, a tent crew, chefs, servers, dishwashers, separate toilet attendants, and anything else you can think of.

As in many parts of the world, gratuities are a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant, and hotel personnel, we also acknowledge our staff with a gratuity.

You should plan to tip any service person that helps you, 10% for taxi drivers and restaurant staff is the norm. Check to see that a gratuity is not already included in the bill. Remember, if tipping in US dollars, when calculating the exchange rate; be careful not to tip too much. As you know, tipping is your option, and a reflection of the quality of service you receive.

Trekking Staff: At the trails-end, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool presented as we say our goodbyes.

You will have the opportunity to exchange money after your WWTrek guide escorts you from the airport. You can easily exchange money at gift shops in both Cusco and the smaller villages we visit. Exchange money as you go using your credit card or cash for your personal expenses at the lodge. Typically, our guests spend about $1,000 for various personal expenses, souvenirs and incidentals.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Peru is a nation of discovery. Between the ever-evolving cultural landscapes of indigenous peoples and Spanish influences, the country provides a multitude of natural wonders and economic growth. With a resurgence in cultural pride and open arms to tourists, Peru offers an old world destination with an increasingly modern and progressive attitude.

Essentially, two populations reside in Peru, that of the whites and mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and Spanish descent) and that of the criollos (natives). Many Peruvians believe that being white is better. This belief contributes to inequality issues that permeate Peru’s government and economic sectors. A significant divide exists between the wealthy elite, typically whites and mestizos, and the poor, predominantly the criollos. Many Peruvians subscribe to the tradition that men go to work and women stay at home, although this trend is changing. In addition, the government and the Catholic Church work closely together. The official religion of the military is Roman Catholic while priests and other religious figures receive government stipends.

The official languages of Peru include Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Quechua and Aymara are languages of the Incas whereas Spanish is a colonial language. Spanish is by far the most widely used, from the coast to the highlands.

From the cobblestone streets of the Spanish era to the vine entangled Incan temples hidden among the mountains, Peru boasts a rich and deep-rooted multicultural heritage. In terms of national psyche, Peru carries its internal struggles related to its tumultuous history such as race, class, gender, and religious issues. Even so, the people continue to maintain solidarity in their devotion to relationships with friends, family, and the welcoming of guests.

Introduced by the Spanish, Peru’s predominant religion is Roman Catholic. However, many of the indigenous Peruvians subscribe to their own blend of Catholicism and traditional beliefs. Reportedly, 80% of the country is Roman Catholic, with about 15% regularly attending church. Religion is perhaps one of the best examples of how indigenous beliefs have melded with Spanish traditions. Many indigenous people symbolize Viracocha (the creator) as the Christian God and Pachamama (the earth mother) as the Virgin Mary.

The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN), referred to as the sol. Due to fluctuating exchange rates, we recommend searching online to find out the current rate before your adventure.